Latch device



Jun e 12, 1962 G. M. RAPATA LATCH DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 9,1959 INVENTOR.

June 12, 1962 s. M. RAPATA 3,038,747

- LATCH DEVICE Filed July 9, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Efifidfl i? PatentedJune 12, 1952 rife 3,038,747 LATQH DEVI-CE George M. Kapata, Park Ridge,111., assignor to Ellinois Tool Works, Chicago, lit, a corporation ofllliinois Filed July 9, 1959, Ser. No. 82%,013 9 Claims. (Cl. 292-47)This application relates to a novel anchor member for application to anapertured workpiece, and more particularly to a novel anchor member orreceptacle especially suitable for receiving and releasably retaining astrike pin of a cabinet latch or the like.

As will be understood, cabinet latch devices frequently include a latchpin which is adapted to be mounted to and project from a cabinet door,and an anchor member or receptacle adapted to be mounted on the cabinetframe for receiving the pin. It frequently happens that a workmaninstalling a latch device will not align the strike pin and thereceptacle sufiiciently accurately to enable the latch device to operatesmoothly and properly.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a novelanchor member or receptacle for accommodating a strike element or thelike, which anchor memher is constructed for receiving and effectivelyreleasably retaining a strike element regardless of whether or not thestrike element is perfectly aligned with the anchor member.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel anchormember or receptacle of the above de scribed type adapted to be appliedto an apertured workpiece and constructed so that the length of a strikeelement required for proper engagement with the anchor member may beminimized whereby hazards resulting from strike elements projecting fromcabinets and the like may be reduced.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelanchor member or receptacle which is constructed so that it may bereadily applied to an apertured workpiece without the aid of auxiliaryfastening means and so that it may repeatedly receive and release thestrike element or the like without adversely effecting its connectionwith the apertured workpiece.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novelplastic anchor member or receptacle of the above described type whichpresents a finished and pleasing appearance when applied to an aperturedwork structure such as a cabinet or the like.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions and the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing an anchor memberincorporating the features of the present invention assembled with anapertured workpiece and further showing a strike element in position tobe inserted into the anchor member;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along an in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a slightly modifiedform of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 66 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line '77 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view showing another modified formof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an entering end perspective view of the anchor member shown inFIG. 8;

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FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 1tl1tl in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-41 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view showing another modified formof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an entering end perspective view of the anchor member shownin FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 1414 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view showing a further slightly modifiedform of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view, partially broken away, showing anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings wherein like parts aredesignated by the same numerals throughout the various figures, ananchor member 20 incorporating one embodiment of the present inventionis shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The anchor member which will be describedin detail below is adapted to be inserted into and retained within anaperture 22 in a workpiece 24 for receiving and releasably holding astrike element 26 or the like. The strike element 26 may be of anysuitable construction and includes an enlargement or laterally extendingshoulder means 28 at its free end for interengagement with the anchormember in the manner to be described.

The anchor member 20 is preferably molded in onepiece from a suitabletough resilient plastic material, such, for example, as nylon. Theanchor member is provided with a generally radially extending headsection 30 engageable with the outer surface of the workpiece 24 forpreventing the anchor member from passing entirely through the aperture22. An opening 32 is provided through the head section 30 for permittingthe insertion of the strike 26 into the anchor member. The anchor memberalso includes a shank section 34 extending axially from the head section30 for entry into the workpiece 22 in the manner shown.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the shank portion 34 is provided with a pair ofrelatively thin and resiliently flexible side portions 36 and 38 whichextend from integral junctions with internal marginal portions of thehead section 30. The shank side or leg portions 36 and 38 respectivelyinclude laterally projecting abutments 40 and 42 which present shouldersurfaces 414 and 46 facing toward the head section 30 for engagementbehind the workpiece 24. The shoulder surfaces are spaced axially fromthe head section 30 a distance similar to the thickness of the workpiece24. However, in order to provide for variations in thickness of theworkpiece, ribs or protuberances 48 and 5e are formed on and projectfrom the under surface of the head section 30 at opposite marginalportions of the head section between the shoulders. It will be notedthat these ribs cause the head section to be flexed when the device isfully applied to the work structure so that the device will resilientlygrip the workpiece between the head section and the shoulders.

The shank section 34 also comprises a pair of oppositely disposedresiliently flexible elements 52 and 54 which extend generally axiallywith respect to the head section 30 and are adapted to receive andreleasably retain the strike 26 therebetwcen. In this embodiment theelements 52 and 54 are operatively interconnected with the head sectionthrough an entering end section 56 of the shank which has a generallyU-shaped transverse cross section and which is in turn integrally andoperatively interconnected to the head section through the leg portions36 and 38. It will be noted that the elements 52 and 54 are relativelywidely spaced apart at their integral junctions with the entering endsection 56 so that they may accommodate the enlarged end 28 of thestrike therebetween. It is further to be noted that the elements 52 and54 include inwardly directed abutments or shoulder means and 60 whichdefine a restricted throat '62 therebetween. The width of the throat issubstantially less than the transverse dimension of the enlarged end ofthe strike so that when the strike is inserted into the anchor member,the abutment or shoulder elements 58 and 60 are forced apart until theenlarged end 28 of the strike is passed whereupon the resilient elements52 and 54 spring back toward their normal positions for causing theabutments 58 and oil to engage behind and retain the enlarged end of thestrike. As shown best in FIG. 3, the surfaces of the abutments 58 and 60are curved and flared outwardly in both directions from midpoints of theabutments so as to provide cam surfaces 6466 and 6876 res ectively forfacilitating spreading of the abutments to permit entry of the striketherebetween and intentional withdrawal of the strike. It is to be notedthat the free ends of the elements 52 and 54 and the strike engageableabutinents thereon are located substantially at the head section 36 sothat the srike element 26 need be of minimum length to accomplish properengagement with the abutments. This arrangement also promotes anillusion that the opening through the head section is substantiallycovered so as to provide the device with a more pleasing and finishedappearance. This feature is of particular importance when the device isto be used in connection with kitchen cabinets or installations in whichappearance is a prime factor.

As shown best in FIG. 3, the transverse width of the leg sections 36 and38 is substantially less than the corre sponding dimension of theaperture 22 through the workpiece 24. In addition the spacing betweenthe outer surfaces of the elements 52 and 54 is such that the elementsavoid any material engagement with the workpiece. Thus, the device mayfloat or may be adjusted back and forth within the aperture 22 to allowfor misalignment between the strike and the central axis of the shank34. Furthermore, since the elements 52 and 54- avoid all contact withthe workpiece, it is clear that the shoulder surfaces 44 and 46 whichare on the leg sections 36 and 38 and entirely independent of theelements 52 and 54, provide the sole means for retaining the anchormember wi hin workpiece aperture. As a result, the flexing action or"the elements 52 and 54 for the purpose of receiving or releasing thestrike in no way adversely affects the connection between the anchormember and the workpiece.

In certain installations it may be desirable to reinforce the springaction of the elements 52 and 54 for more securely retaining the striketherebetween. This may be accomplished by providing a generally U-shapedspring 72 preferably made from spring steel. The spring 72 which isshown in F168. 2 and 3 is disposed so that opposite portions 74 and 76thereof embrace the elements 52 and 54 in a manner such that free ends78 and 80 of the spring aggressively engage the elements 52 and 54. Inthe embodiment shown the free ends 78 and 84) of the spring are turnedinwardly to provide flanges engageable in recesses 82 and 84 formed inthe side of the elements 52; and 54 respectively for retaining thespring 72 in assembled relationship with the plastic anchor member. Itis to be understood that in many installations the spring 72 may beomitted.

FIGS. 4-7 show an anchor member a incorporating a modified form of thepresent invention as indicated by the application of identical referencenumerals with the suffix a added to corresponding elements. Thisembodiment differs primarily that the strike retaining elements 52a and54a are entirely independent of the anchor securing leg sections 36a and38a. More specifically, the elements 52a and 54a are provided withreversely bent extensions 86 and 88 respectively which are integrallyconnected with head section 30a rather than with an entering end sectionwhich in turn is supported by the anchor securing leg sections. It willbe noted that the strike retaining elements of this embodiment like thecorresponding elements of the other embodiments disclosed herein arerelatively wide so that the restricted throat therebetween is elongatedin a direction extending transversely of the direction in which theanchor member may be adjusted within the workpiece aperture. In otherwords the restricted throat is elongated in a direction extendingtransversely of the anchor retaining shank sections 36a and 38a. Thisfeature allows for misalignment of the strike element in a directionextending along the length of the throat While the above describedadjustment of the anchor member within the workpiece apertureaccommodates misalignment of the strike in a direction extendingtransversely of the throat.

FIGS. 8l1 show another embodiment of the present invention which issimilar to the structures described above as indicated by theapplication of identical reference numerals with the sufiix b added tocorresponding elements. This embodiment differs primarily in that thestrike retaining elements 52b and 541) are not only connected integrallyto the entering end portions 561; of the shank but they are alsointegrally connected at their outer ends to the head section asindicated at 90 and 92. This enables the resilient elements 52b and 54bto be stiffened for increasing the holding power thereof.

In FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 there is shown a further modified form of thepresent invention which is similar to the devices described above asindicated by the application of identical reference numerals with thesufiix 0 added to corresponding elements. In this embodiment the strikeretaining elements 520 and 54c are relatively short and extend directlyfrom integral junctions 90c and 920 with opposite inner margins of headsection 360. The entering ends of the elements 520 and 540 are free sothat these elements function entirely independently of the anchorretaining sections 36c and 380.

FIG. 15 shows a device Zild which is identical to the anchor member 21%except that the anchor securing sections 36d and 3&1 are slightlymodified for accommodating workpieces of diiterent widths. Morespecifically, the shoulder surfaces 44d and 46d are flared outwardly sothat they may be wedged against the workpiece regardless of minorvariations of the thickness of the workpiece.

FIG. 16 shows an anchor member 200 which is similar to the device shownin FIGS. l4 as indicated by the application of identical referencenumerals with the suflix 2 added to corresponding elements. Thisembodiment differs in that the entering end sections 56e is providedwith an opening 2 therethrough, which feature, in certain instancesfacilitates the molding operation.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described herein, it i obvious that many structural details may bechanged without departing from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. An anchor device for a latch strike and the like comprising a plastichead section for overlying one side of an apertured work structure andhaving an opening therein through which a latch strike and the like maybe inserted, a pair of resilient plastic shank sections respectivelyinte ral with and extending generally axially from a first pair ofopposite inner marginal portions of said head section for entry into theworkpiece aperture, laterally outwardly projecting shoulder means onsaid shank sections for engaging behind the work structure when theshank sections are inserted into the aperture for preventing removal ofthe anchor device from the work structure, and a pair of opposedresilient plastic elements integrally operably interconnected with saidhead section and generally axially disposed with respect to said headsection and located between and operable independently of said pair ofshank sections, said opposed resilient plastic elements being located soas to be substantially bisected s eave? by and resiliently shiftable ina direction parallel to a plane containing a central longitudinal axisof said device and intersecting a second pair of opposite inner marginalportions of said head section, said opposed plastic elements includingopposed shoulder means projecting toward each other substantiallyadjacent said head section and defining a throat therebetweensubstantially bisected by a second plane perpendicular to said firstmentioned plane for cooperatively engaging, passing and re leasablyretaining the enlarged end portion of a latch strike inserted throughthe opening in the head section.

2. An anchor device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said strikeretaining shoulder means on said elements respectively present flaringsurfaces at opposite sides of said throat for facilitating passage of astrike into the anchor device and intentional removal of the striketherefrom.

3. An anchor device, as defined in claim 1, which in cludes spring meansembracing and aggressively gripping said opposed plastic elements forresisting spreading of said elements and increasing the holding power ofthe device.

4. An anchor device, as defined in claim 1, which includes a generallyU-shaped plastic section extending between and integrally joined toentering ends of said shank sections, said opposed strike retainingelements respectively being integrally connected with opposite marginsof said U-shaped section and thereby being operatively interconnectedwith said head section.

5. An anchor device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said shank sectionshave free entering ends and are operable independently of each other andsaid opposed ele ments.

6. An anchor device, as defined in claim 5, wherein said opposedelements include reversely bent portions connected directly with saidhead section.

7. An anchor device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said opposedelements have entering ends which are free and separated from said shanksections and trailing ends integrally connected directly to said headsection.

8. An anchor device, as defined in claim 1, which includes a transversesection extending between and integrally joining entering ends of saidshank sections, said opposed strike retaining elements have enteringends integrally joined to said transverse section and trailing endsintegrally joined directly to opposite inner margins of said headsections.

9. An installation of the type described comprising a workpiece having agenerally rectangular aperture therethrough with a first predeterminedwidth in one direction and a second predetermined width in a transversedirection, said workpiece having a predetermined thickness, an anchordevice assembled with the workpiece and including a plastic head sectionoverlying an outer surface of the workpiece around said aperture, a pairof resilient plastic shank sections respectively integral with andextending generally axially from said head section through said apertureand having axially extending margins which are opposite from each otherin said first mention-ed direction, said shank sections includinglaterally outwardly projecting shoulder means having outer ends spacedfarther apart than said first predetermined width and engaging behindsaid workpiece for preventing removal of the anchor device from theworkpiece, a pair of opposed resilient plastic elements integrallyoperatively interconnected with said head section and generally axiallydisposed with respect to said head section and located between andoperative independently of said pair of shank sections, said elementsbeing disposed so as to be intersected by a plane generally parallel tosaid transverse direction, said opposed plastic elements including meansprojecting toward each other and defining a restricted throat, the widthof said shank sections and the maximum spacing of laterally outwardlyfacing surfaces of said opposed elements in said transverse directionbeing substantially less than said second predetermined width of theworkpiece aperture for enabling the anchor device to float within theaperture transversely of said throat, and a strike element generallyaligned with said anchor device and having an enlarged end insertablethrough said throat for being releasably retained within the anchordevice, said throat having a length in said first mentioned directionsubstantially greater than a thickness of said strike in said firstmentioned direction for enabling the strike to be assembled with theanchor device even though the strike is not accurately aligned with theanchor device.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,296,632 Falge et a1. Sept. 22, 1942 2,414,662 OstrOm Jan. 21, 19472,451,798 Borchers Oct. 19, 1948 2,550,852 North May 1, 1951 2,577,507Bergdorf Dec. 4, 1951 2,847,240 Stone et a1. Aug. 12, 1958 2,946,612Ahlgren July 26, 1960

